The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Pei Kaizhi was so angered that he spat blood?

This was something that had never happened, even at his most furious moments in the Golden Throne Hall.

For a moment, the officials' complexions were quite colorful, and countless glances fell upon the notorious "Empress' gigolo," who had nothing to do with them.

They couldn't help but be curious about what Zhao Douan had said.

What made Pei Kaizhi so agitated—there was a story here, this was everyone's first thought.

Unfortunately, due to the distance, apart from Ma Yan, no one else heard the conversation.

"The Saint's decree is that the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Pei Kaizhi, will be imprisoned in the Imperial Prison as of today."

Ma Yan stepped forward, his thick hand bones sinking, lifting the frail old Vice Minister like a chicken with one hand, and addressed the officials loudly.

Then he gave Zhao Douan a deep look, turned his head, and left outside the gate.

This scene was like the King Yan entering the mortal realm, dragging away a soul.

It was bound to leave a deep psychological shadow on many officials.

...

The officials dispersed one by one, leaving only Yuann Li and Zhao Douan in the square.

"Come with me."

The elegant, handsome chess master smiled as he turned to beckon him, walking toward the Empress' bedroom.

Not going to the Golden Throne Hall... Zhao Douan was reluctant; he was quite curious and wondered how the real feudal dynasty differed from the one he had toured with a ticket in a previous life.

"What did you just say to him?" Yuan Qingyi asked curiously.

"Ah, that..." Zhao Douan seemed slightly embarrassed, unwilling to admit that he played a prank, and said:

"The old thief was obstinate, I gently advised him a few words. Unexpectedly, the old thief got so angry and wouldn't listen."

"..." Yuann Li was speechless.

With his wisdom, he could probably guess what Zhao Douan had said.

Young and impetuous, but also vengeful, that's how it should be.

Young men should have wisdom but also boldness; to be overly cautious and stable like a rotten mummy in a dyeing vat, what kind of young person is that?

What's the point?

After a hard-fought victory in a game, teasing and mocking the opponent in the public chat, though not decorous, feels quite satisfying.

It truly suited his temperament... The Imperial Censor, who had rebelled against etiquette in his youth, felt contented and smiled:

"If I were in your place at the age of twenty, I would definitely have thoroughly humiliated that old bald thief, why be subtle?"

Zhao Douan cupped his hands, expressing his agreement, feeling connected to a kindred spirit.

The morning mist gradually faded.

Zhao Douan asked, "So, was this a major victory or a minor victory for us? What will happen to Pei Kaizhi next? What about the Pei family? And what about Lv Liang?"

Yuann Li was in high spirits:

"Of course, it's a major victory! It wasn't in vain for Your Majesty to set up this killing game. Although Li Yanfu resisted with all his might, ultimately it was still our victory. The case against Pei Kaizhi for cheating in the imperial examination was confirmed, and now he's imprisoned, awaiting execution in the autumn. However..."

He then looked oddly:

"His health was already poor, relying on medicinal decoctions for maintenance. Today, after being angered by you, he's fainted, and I'm afraid he won't last until the autumn execution."

Zhao Douan looked innocent, he really hadn't done it on purpose.

Yuann Li added:

"As for Lv Liang, originally he was to be leniently punished due to his proactive denouncement. But since they fell out, Pei Kaizhi revealed much evidence against him... In the end, it resulted in him being exiled to Lingnan."

Lingnan was several thousand miles from the Capital... Considering the death rate during exile, even if old Lv survived to Lingnan, he might be half dead... Zhao Douan was silent.

Hmm, provided the Pei family by the Huai River didn't send someone to kill him halfway to vent their anger.

At this moment, though a victor, Zhao Douan for the first time saw the bloody and brutal reality of court struggles so vividly.

Pei Kaizhi had said that a pawn's fate was not in its hands, but Zhao Douan felt that a losing player was equally tragic.

To live comfortably in this cruel world until death, he had to tightly hold on to the Empress' long, smooth white legs and then kick all the unruly people to death.

Yes, at least until he mastered his martial cultivation and could control his destiny, he should do so.

Unconsciously, the two arrived outside the Imperial Study Room.

"I will inform His Majesty and put in a good word for you, you wait outside." Yuann Li said, then smiled: "His Majesty, till now, does not know of your achievements."

At this moment, Zhao Douan saw mischief and anticipation on the face of this old fox.

You intentionally withheld the news until now just to give her a shock... a dignified high-ranking official of the nation, yet with such a mischievous streak, won't this ruin your image...

Zhao Douan, unable to retort, bowed his head and waited.

...

...

Xu Zhenguan was in an excellent mood today.

In recent days, the court had been filled with metaphorical swords and smoke, she appeared to sit high on the dragon throne, watching the course of events.

But being one of the behind-the-scenes players, how could she not be anxious?

If they lost, not only would it be a missed excellent opportunity, it would also severely undermine the momentum the Empress had been building since her ascension.

This would make countless enemies watching her both openly and in the shadows realize that the Empress could be bullied.

Fortunately, in the end, it was a great victory.

After court, Xu Zhenguan returned to her bedroom with light steps, her mouth curved upwards and never coming down.

At this moment, she seemed to have shed the "Emperor's" facade, revealing the light-hearted smile of a young woman.

She first removed her dragon robe and changed into a white casual outfit.

Thus, the dignified and graceful Empress transformed into a cold and ethereal fairy.

Xu Zhenguan took a shortcut to the Imperial Study Room.

The war had ended, and it was time to review and commend achievements with Yuann Li.

"Minister... Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

As Xu Zhenguan entered the Imperial Study Room, Yuan Qingyi had been waiting for a long time and rose to greet her.

The Empress of Great Yu smiled broadly:

"Mr. Yuan, dispense with the ceremony. This grand victory was largely due to your contributions; if there are congratulations to be had, it should be shared."

The monarch and minister exchanged a smile.

The Imperial Study Room was filled with an atmosphere of happiness.

The two took their seats, briefly reviewed the situation, and discussed ensuing matters, including the response from the Pei family by the Huai River and the upcoming movements of Li Yanfu.

Then, Yuann Li suddenly said:

"Your Majesty, after court was dismissed, an interesting incident occurred."

"Oh?" Xu Zhenguan's keen eyes showed curiosity.

Yuann Li said, "Before exiting the Meridian Gate, Ma Yan came with a decree to arrest Pei Kaizhi, and Zhao Douan accompanied him. They happened to run into the distraught Pei Kaizhi."

"Zhao Douan entered the palace?" Xu Zhenguan was slightly surprised.

She hadn't summoned him recently and didn't know why the "Little Forbidden Army" appeared at the Meridian Gate.

Hmm, accompanying Ma Yan, perhaps he was there to watch the excitement... The Empress didn't think much of it.

This grand drama on the court drew the entire Capital's attention, and Zhao Douan's curiosity, using his connection with Ma Yan, made sense to join in the spectacle.

Yuann Li nodded with a smile: "Then, they crossed paths. Zhao Douan said a few words to Pei Kaizhi, angering him to the point of spitting blood and fainting in the square."

"Such a thing happened?" The Empress of Great Yu was stunned, and then couldn't help but shake her head and smile:

"Pei Kaizhi truly lost his composure. The usually imposing Vice Minister today quarreled with a mere White Horse Envoy."

Xu Zhenguan's brow showed a hint of regret, then she curiously asked:

"What did he say to cause the former Vice Minister to lose his composure so?"

Yuann Li's smile was peculiar:

"He claimed only to have said a few comforting words. However, I believe Pei Kaizhi's loss of composure had little to do with words and much to do with the nature of Lord Zhao himself."

At this point, Xu Zhenguan finally sensed something unusual. Her clear eyes carried a trace of surprise, and she slowly said:

"What does Mr. Yuan mean? Do not leave me in suspense."

Zhao Douan? Pei Kaizhi?

Two completely unrelated people, how could there be a connection?

Yuann Li smiled, cupped his hands, and said:

"Allow me to report, it was because in this 'Execution of Pei' operation, the very first cut delivered was from the White Horse Office, specifically by Lord Zhao Douan."